The Name Jesus – Sacred Name – Yahweh – KJV
The English translation of biblical text quoted in this book is that of the King James Version (KJV). When a more in depth understanding of scripture is necessary the “Masoretic Hebrew Text” and the “Received Greek Text” are used.
It will be necessary to talk about many pagan “gods” and “goddesses” as sun worship is discussed. As the purpose of this book is to make a clear distinction between the worship of pagan “gods” and the God of the Bible, we must also clearly distinguish between the title of the God of the Bible and other “gods.”
GOD / god: When the word “god” is spelled with a small “g” it will refer to the Satanic “gods” of paganism; those that oppose the true worship of the God of the Bible.
When the word “God” is spelled with a capital “G” it will refer to the “God” of the Bible, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This word “God” was chosen by King James translators to represent the Hebrew word “ELOHIM”, the creator of Genesis 1:1. The word ELOHIM is the plural form of the God of the Bible (Gods). This confirms the fact that Christ, one with the Father, created all things just as indicated in New Testament Scripture.
“In the beginning God (ELOHIM) created the heaven and the earth.”……..Genesis 1:1
“For by him (Christ) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible
and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things
were created by him, and for Him” ……Colossians 1:16
LORD: The word LORD spelled with all capital letters was chosen by King James translators
to represent the same Hebrew word
for YHWH or the shorter form as used in Psalms 68 YAH: who revealed His name to His
chosen people and established His covenant with them. Recognizing and distinguishing God’s name from the name of pagan gods is very important. He revealed His name to Moses and told him to tell His chosen people that (YHWH) was His name forever and His memorial from generation to generation: (See Exodus 3:15)
THE COMMANDMENT GIVER: Before pronouncing the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, God made sure that there was no mistake about who He was:
And God (ELOHIM) spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord (YHWH) thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage………Exodus 20:1-2
It is important to note that (ELOHIM), the plural form of “God” which included Christ, spoke the commandments on Mount Sinai.
GREEK TRANSLATION: In the Greek text the word (THEOS)
and its derivatives, represents the God of the Bible. King James translators chose the word
“God” spelled with a capital “G” for the New Testament representation of the Biblical God
(YHWH), (ELOHIM).
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God (THEOS), and the Word was God (THEOS).” ……John 1:1
The same Greek word (THEOS) was also used to represent other gods. When spelled with a small “g” pagan gods or Satan himself is indicated.
“…..the god (THEOS) of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not.
……..2 Corinthians 4:4
SEPTUAGINT: The Hebrew text of the Old Testament was translated into Greek in the third
century before Christ. The translation was known as the Septuagint. In early manuscripts the
name of God (YHWH) was not translated into the Greek (THEOS); but remained in the Hebrew letters.
SUMMARY: “God” spelled with a capital “G” means the God of the Bible. “LORD” spelled with all capitals means the God of the Bible. “god” spelled with a small “g” means Satanic pagan gods.
EXCEPTION: The only exception to this rule is when presenting the inscriptions of the worshippers of pagan “gods.” A capital “G” may be used as did their proclamations.
NEW TESTAMENT
JOSHUA: was the word chosen by the King James translators to represent the Hebrew spelling of the Biblical Joshua before Ezra and Nehemiah. This word is pronounced YAH HO SHUA by those living in Israel today. It seems that the HO pronunciation is due to the addition of the vowels of Adonay to the word YHWH, in order to remind the reader to pronounce Adonay instead of YHWH, and that the most pure pre- Babylonian Hebrew pronunciation would be YA-hu-SHOOa. The word is a combination of YAH and Oshea. The word means YAH is Salvation.
“I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.” ……John 5:43
We read in in the King James version of Numbers 13:8-16 : Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan,… of the tribe of Ephraim, Oshea the son of Nun. ……And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua.
After the Babylonian captivity the Hebrew spelling changed. Linguists indicate that this is the “short form” of the name of Joshua that appears in earlier scripture. This word is pronounced YES SHUA by those living in Israel today.
IESOUS: was the word chosen by the writers of the Greek New Testament to represent both the Hebrew Old Testament Joshua and the English New Testament Jesus.
This word was derived by way of transliteration (the representation of the sounds of the Hebrew word Yeh Shua with the Greek letters having the closest corresponding sound.)
JESUS: was the word chosen by the King James translators to represent the Hebrew spelling of the Biblical Joshua Yeh Shua after Ezra and Nehemiah. This word was also derived by way of transliteration ( the representation of the sounds of the Greek word IESOUS with the English letters having the closest corresponding sound.)
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JESUS – ZEUS
IT HAS BEEN STATED THAT THE ENGLISH NAME JESUS
IS DERIVED FROM THE GREEK NAME ZEUS
THAT IS NOT TRUE !
There is a terrible thing taking place among believers who have learned that aspects of pagan sun worship have had a great influence upon modern day Christianity. Believers are now beginning to imagine problems lurking within every precept of the Christian faith. These imaginations are being presented as fact when in reality there is no factual evidence to support them – imaginations that are sowing discord among the brethren.
There are those who are saying that the writers of the New Testament had an agenda, an agenda to intentionally pervert the name of Messiah. Some are saying that the name Jesus is derived from the name of the pagan god Zeus when in fact there is no evidence to support that premise. Deceptive theory is being presented as fact and the integrity of the entire New Testament is being called into question, causing some to reject its life giving truths. A rejection of truth based on the imaginations of men who regard conjecture with greater esteem than fact.
Our adversary as a roaring lion seeketh whom he may devour. He is the father of lies and it makes him no difference whether we believe the lies of paganized traditional Christianity or whether we reject the veracity of New Testament scripture. Either way he has accomplished his goal of deception, which always leads away from the Creator.
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. …2Timothy 3:14-17
The Hebrew Version of Matthew – Shem Tob Matthew, Shem Tov
“HEBREW MATTHEW”
Shem Tob – du Tillet – Munster
“Matthew collected the oracles (ta logia) in the Hebrew language, and each interpreted them as best he could.” – Papias (Eusebius, H.E. 3.39.16)
“Matthew also issued a written Gospel among the Hebrews n their own dialect while Peter and Paul were preaching at Rome and laying the foundations of the church.” – Irenaeus, Adv. Haer. 3.1.1
“As having learnt by tradition concerning the four Gospels, which alone are unquestionable in the Church of God under heaven, that first was written according to Matthew, who was once a tax collector but afterwards an apostle of Jesus Christ, who published it for those who from Judaism came to believe, composed as it was in the Hebrew language.” – Origen (Eusebius, H.E. 6.25.4)
Historical references do speak of a Hebrew gospel of Matthew. Today there are those who present the Shem Tob version of Matthew as an accurate representation of that manuscript. Unsuspecting believers are being led by unbelievers to accept an anti-Christian version of Matthew which was found as a part of a polemic (anti-Christian) document entitled Eban Bohan. This document was authored by Shem Tob, an unbelieving Jewish theologian.
Quoting Professor George Howard, translator of Shem Tob:
In regard to theology, Shem-tob’s Hebrew Matthew is heretical according to the standard of traditional Christianity. It never identifies Jesus with the Messiah. (See Reference Note 1.) John the Baptist is given an exalted role (even takes on messianic traits), — Shem-Tob’s text envisions the salvation of the Gentiles only in the Messianic era.
Shem Tob ben Shaprut of Tudela Castle – Spain
1385 – 14th Century
Wrote a polemical work against Christianity entitled Eben Bohan (The Touchstone)
Matthew is a separate chapter of Eben Bohan
A cursive manuscript of Eben Bohan can be found at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America – New York (212)678-8081
du Tillet
Jean du Tillet – Catholic Bishop of Brieux France
From a manuscript found at Rome among the Jews in 1553
Used by Jehovah’s witnesses
James Trimm translated du Tillet
Munster
Sebastian Munster
1537 confiscated from the Jews
Some think Munster and du Tillet to be from the same source
Munster filled in missing portions and made no notes as to which parts he added.
Shem Tob and du Tillet are different texts. They do not always agree.
Munster disagrees with Shem Tob. They do not always agree
Jerome speaks of a Hebrew Matthew among the Nazarenes in Jordan who fled Jerusalem. Jerome quotes that text and Professor George Howard who translated Shem Tob says that Jeromes quotes do not match Shem Tob.
Epiphanius qoutes Ebionite Hebrew Matthew. His quotes do not match Shem Tob.
The tetragwmamaton does not appear in Shem Tob or in du Tillet.
In Shem Tob it is written as Heh or Heh and two Yodths signifying Ha Shem or The Name.
In du Tillet it is written as three Yodths.
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SCRIPTURAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SHEM TOB
AND THE GREEK MAJORITY TEXTS AS REPRESENTED IN THE ENGLISH KING JAMES VERSION OF THE BIBLE
Never identifies Yeshua / Jesus as Messiah.
Mat 1:1 “the generation of Jesus Christ”
Shem Tob “the generations of Jesus ( )”
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Never identifies Jesus as Messiah.
Mat 1:18 “now the birth of Jesus Christ”
Shem Tob “birth of Jesus ( )”
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The fact that Yeshua / Jesus “shall save His people” omitted
Mat 1:21 “thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins”
Shem Tob “he shall save my people from their sins”
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Non-Biblical – Rabbinical reference
Mat 4:9 “all these things will I give if thou wilt fall down and worship me”
Shem Tob “if you bare your head to me”
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Jewish sages given equal status with Yeshua / Jesus
Mat 7:29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
“Preaching with great power not as the rest of the sages.”
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Reference to the coming kingdom removed
Mat 6:10 “Thy kingdom come”
Shem Tob “may your kingdom be blessed”
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Forgiveness of sin by Yeshua / Jesus removed
Mat 9:2 “thy sins be forgiven thee”
Shem Tob “It is by the faith of God that your sins have been forgiven”
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The gospel set aside
Mat 11:5 “the poor have the gospel preached to them”
Shem Tob “the poor are aquited”
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Elevation of John the Baptist over Yeshua / Jesus
Mat 11:11 – 11:13 “For all the prophets and the law spoke concerning John” as opposed “prophesied until John”.
Mat 21:32 “Because John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him.”
In Shem Tob – addressed to the disciples instead of the chief priests and elders.
Quoting Professor George Howard, translator of Shem Tob:
In summary, this series of readings asserts that none is greater than John, the prophets and the law spoke concerning John, John (Elijah) is to save all the world, and Jesus’ own disciples are disgraced for not having believed John. In traditional Christianity such a description is usually applied to Jesus. Its application to John the Baptist in Shem Tobs Hebrew, elevates the Baptist to a salvific (salvation) role.
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The temple greater than Yeshua / Jesus
Mat 12:6 “But I say unto you, in this place is one greater than the temple”
Shem Tob “the temple is greater than this”
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Mat 13:11 “it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given”
Shem Tob “to know the kingdom of heaven”
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Man sows seed instead of the son of man:
Mat 13:37 “He that soweth the good seed is the son of man”
Shem tob “the one who sows good seed is man”
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Possible Talmudic influence – Toldoth Yeshu?
Mat 13:55 “Is this not the carpenters son? Is not his mother called Mary?”
“Is this not the son of the smith and Mary?”
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Note: James is left out as brother of Jesus in the Shem Tob – Possible elevation of James
Mat 14:6 In Shem Tob Herods daughter danced – not Herodias’ daughter – Qumran scrolls condemn niece marraige – Jewish leaders of the time practiced it.
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Possible Talmudic Influence: Doctrine of the Pharisees unquestioned
Mat 16:12 Told to beware the doctrine of the Pharisees…”
Sehm Tob “beware of the behavior of the Pharisees…”
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Salvation by Elijah rather than Yeshua / Jesus
Mat 17:11 “Elijah shall truly shall first come and restore all things”
Shem Tob “Elijah will come and save all the world”
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Salvation by way of “The Son of man” deleted
Mat 18:11 “The Son of man is come to save that which was lost”
Shem Tob “the son of man has stopped saving the enemy”
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Possible Talmudic Implications:
Mat 18:18 “Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whotsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven”
Shem Tob applies this scripture to being bound or loosed from oaths taken – Day of Atonement – Col Nidre Prayer – implications ????
Shem Tob “every oath which you shall bind on earth is bound in heaven and every oath which you shall loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
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Worldly material wealth rather than heavenly treasure
Mat 19:22 “Went away sorrowful for he had great possessions”
Shem Tob “went away angry because he did not have much property”
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Mat 19:28
“When the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory”
“when man sits upon the throne of his glory”
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Mat 20:30
“When they heard the Jesus passed by”
“the prophet Jesus from Nazareth is coming”
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The preaching of the gospel as a witness concerning Yeshua / Jesus “is the Anti-Christ and this is the abomination which desolates.
Mat 24:14-16 “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet stand in the holy place (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains.”
Shem Tob “And this gospel, that is, evungili, will be preached un all the earth for a witness concerning me to all the nations and then the end will come. This is the Anti-Christ and this is the abomination which desolates. Then those who are in Judaea let them flee to the mountains.”
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“Son of man” replaced by “the bridegroom.”
Mat 25:13 …day not the hour wherein the Son of man cometh”
Shem Tob “…day nor hour when the bridegroom comes.”
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Possible Talmudic implications
Mat 26:2 “…the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified”
Shem Tob “delivered into the hand of the Jews for the gallows”
Mat 27:23 “Let him be crucified”
Shem Tob “let them hang him”
Mat 27:31 “led him away to crucify him”
Shem Tob “gave orders to hang him”
“The Cross” is in parenthesis as if it needed to be connected with the word gallows.
Mat 27:32 “him they compelled to bear his cross”
Shem Tob “compelled him to carry the gallows, that is “The Cross”
Mat 27:40-42 “Come down from the cross”
Shem Tob v.40 “come down from the gallows” – v.42 “come down from the tree”
Mat 28:5 “ye seek Jesus who was crucified”
“Shem Tob “Jesus who was hung”
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Not the King of the Jews but the King of Israel
Mat 27:37 “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS”
Shem Tob “This is Jesus of Nazareth the King of Israel”
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Mat 27:46 “with a loud voice”
Shem Tob “in the holy langauge” (Hebrew ?)
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Mat 27:57 “a rich man of Arimathea”
Shem Tob “A rich man from Karnasiah came . His name was Joseph…”
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Mat 27:59 “when Joseph had taken the body he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth”
Shem Tob “wrapped it in a very fine silk garment”
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Mat 28:9 – Shem Tob has Jesus substituting YHWH with “Ha Shem” Traditional Jewish greeting rather than Greek/Roman greeting as is found in majority manuscripts
“Jesus met them saying All Hail”
“saying May the Name deliver you”
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Shem Tob has 12 disciples going to Galilee after Judas was dead
Mat 28:16 “Then the eleven disciples went away unto Galilee”
“when his twelve disciples came to Galilee”
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I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world left out
Mat 28:20 – Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” Amen
Shem Tob – and teach them to carry out all the things which I have commanded you forever.
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Quoting Professor George Howard, translator of Shem Tob:
In regard to theology, Shem-tob’s Hebrew Matthew is heretical according to the standard of traditional Christianity. It never identifies Jesus with the Messiah. (See Reference Note 1.) John the Baptist is given an exalted role (even takes on mesianic traits), — Shem-Tob’s text envisions the salvation of the Gentiles only in the Messianic era.
Reference Notes:
1. In his book the Hebrew Gospel of Matthew, professor Geroge Howard, after reviewing all references to Christ/Messiah in Matthew, makes it clear that the author himself (of Shem Tob Matthew) “never identifies Jesus with the Christ/Messiah” In Matthew 16:16 Peter was speaking and not Matthew, the author of the book.
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The Christ. With the possible exception of 16:16 (to be discussed below), the author of Shem-Tob’s Hebrew Matthew never identifies Jesus with the Christ. This is to be contrasted with the Greek text, where the Christ identification is clearly made.
The word Christ occurs 18 times in the Greek text of Matthew: 1:1, 16, 17, 18; 2:4; 16:16, 20, 21 (B-); 22:42; 23:10; 24:5, 23, 24; 26:63, 68; 27:17, 22. In five instances, the Hebrew has no correspondent to the word Christ at all. Compare the Following.
Greek 1:1 – The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ
Shem Tob Hebrew – 1:1 These are the Generations of Jesus
Greek 1:17 – the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations
Shem Tob Matthew – the Babylonian exile unto Jesus were fourteen generations
Greek 1:18 – Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way
Shem Tob Matthew – The birth of Jesus was in this way
Greek 11:2 – Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ
Shem Tob Matthew – John, when he was in captivity, heard of the work of Jesus
Greek 16:21 – From then began Jesus Christ to show his disciples
Shem Tob Matthew – Henceforth Jesus began to reveal to his disciples
These passages are particularly important, since only here does the author of the Greek text make a clear identification of Jesus with the Christ. In all other instances, the identification is either unclear or made by someone other than the author. Matthew 16:16 is a special case and will be discussed below. Since the Hebrew text lacks the word “Christ/Messiah” in these passages, its author never identifies Jesus with the Christ/ Messiah.
The Hebrew Gospel of Matthew, George Howard, p.216-217…
Easter – Acts Chapter 12 King James Version, a common sense investigation
A COMMON SENSE INVESTIGATION
PREFACE
The King James version of the Bible is an excellent translation. It is based on thousands of manuscripts that agree with each other, rather than on the corrupt manuscripts, which are the basis of most modern versions of the Bible.
In my opinion, it is the best, widely available, English version of the scriptures. It is the English translation that I use and that I recommend to others.
However, IT IS NOT PERFECT.
Few people know that the translators of the King James version of the Bible were working under constraints.
The translators had to agree to certain rules. One of which was that the names used in earlier English versions of the Bible were not to be changed. The translation, or transliteration of many proper names used in the King James version are easily proven to be far from the actual names of Biblical Characters.
In addition, King James translators were required not to change many disputed words. One example is the fact that the word “church,” based on the Old English word “cirice” (the house of a god) could not be changed to the word “congregation” (an assembly of believers). Because of that, many people today, when the scriptures are speaking of “the body of Christ” think that it is referring to a place that one goes.
There are many well meaning people, knowing of the corruptions in the modern versions of the Bible, who insist that the King James version of the Bible is perfect.
Not having had the opportunity to examine all of the details regarding the translation, they add fuel to the fire of those attempting to discredit the King James version of the Bible. Through the selection of isolated instances, easily proven to have minor imperfections, those who would like to set aside the King James attempt to make King James only advocates, who say that it is perfect, look foolish. In many instances they have successfully done so; persuading many that adherence to the time tested King version is totally unfounded. THIS IS TRAGIC !
The King James version must be defended only to the extent that it can be defended; not allowing others to make it’s advocates look foolish, for it is the best widely available English version of the scriptures that we have.
SHOULD THE USE OF THE WORD EASTER
AS WRITTEN IN ACTS 12: 4
BE DEFENDED?
In the year 325 A.D. the Council of Nicaea attempted to change the date for the observance of PASSOVER! Although the Biblically prescribed times for Passover can never be changed, a festival observed on the date set by the council of Nicaea is now observed under the name of a pagan fertility goddess, EASTER.
The word Easter, nor any other pagan title, was used by the council of Nicaea. The Hebrew word for passover, as written in the transcripts of the Nicaean council, was not translated. The word for passover was transliterated: The Hebrew letters were written using the corresponding Latin or Greek alphabet characters, so the the word would be pronounced in a similar way.
It is extremely important to consider the fact that Constantine the Great and the Council of Nicaea intentionally changed the Biblically prescribed time for the observance of Passover. There is no doubt that the date they chose was influenced by the Roman celebrations in honor of the sun gods and goddesses near the time of the vernal equinox. Nevertheless, the discussion at the time of the council of Nicaea was about setting a new method for calculating the observance of PASSOVER and not some pagan feast day.
A LETTER OF CONSTANTINE ….Constantine, August, to the Churches. …When the question arose concerning the most holy day of Easter (Pascha as written in Latin or Greek) it was decreed by common consent to be expedient, that this festival should be celebrated on the same day by all, in every place… …And truly, in the first place, it seemed to every one a most unworthy thing that we should follow the custom of the Jews in the celebration of this most holy solemnity, who, polluted wretches, having stained their hands with a nefarious crime, are justly blinded in their minds…
…It is fit, therefore, that rejecting the practice of this people, we should perpetuate to all future ages the celebration of this rite, in a more legitimate order… Let us then have nothing in common with the most hostile rabble of the Jews. …For what can they rightly understand, who , after the tragical death of our Lord, being deluded and darkened in their minds, are carried away by an unrestrained impulse wherever their inborn madness may impel them…
…it is necessary that this fault should be so amended that we may have nothing in common with the usage of these parricides and murderers of our Lord; …it should be considered that any dissension in a business of such importance, and in a religious institution of so great solemnity, would be highly criminal…
PAGANIZED PASSOVER
Many modern day “Christians” suppose that Easter as observed on the dates set you the council of Nicaea was a “Christain” feast, separate from the “Jewish” feast of Passover. Many think that the Jews observed Passover and that the Christians observed Easter.
That is not true. In 325 A.D. the Council of Nicaea invented their own “Paganized Passover” which is now known as Easter.
The inclusion of the name of the pagan sun goddess Easter in the King James Version of the Bible has caused millions of unsuspecting believers to disregard the Biblical feast of Passover, and, instead follow the inventions of men.
CAN THERE BE ANY JUSTIFICATION FOR THE USE OF THE WORD “EASTER” IN THE BIBLE?Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. It has been said by some, attempting to defend the King James translators, that the day of passover was over and that the 7 day feast of unleavened bread, which was being celebrated at that time, was not actually passover. They say that Herod was waiting until after a Roman festival day in honor of a pagan goddess before bringing Peter forth to the people. Some say that the King James translators were justified to use the name of a pagan goddess from their own time period (EASTER).
USE THE ARROW BELOW TO CONTINUE
TO THE NEXT PAGE OF THE ARTICLE WHAT DOES HISTORY PROVE?
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ? Luke 22:1 …the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. THERE IS NO BIBLICAL AUTHORITY TO SEPARATE THE DAY OF PASSOVER FROM THE FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD IN REGARDS TO THE USE OF THE WORD PASSOVER
Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter (SEE THE INFORMATION BELOW) to bring him forth to the people.
THE FIRST ENGLISH BIBLES DID NOT USE THE WORD EASTER
The translation of the Greek word for Passover
as the name of a pagan fertility goddess
did not originate with the King James translators.
Martin Luther was the first translator to substitute
the name of a pagan goddess for the Greek
word for Passover.
Ostern was the Germanic
equivalent of the Celtic goddess Eostra or Easter.
Up until that time, those reading the Bible in Greek, Latin, German and other languages read the words that conveyed the meaning “Passover” Was the Bible wrong for over 1000 years ?
THE ROMAN CALENDAR
WAS NOT USED
IN ALL PARTS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE
The Calendar of Rome was not used in Judaea
until at least the year A.D. 70
Even after A.D. 70 there is no evidence that the Roman Calendar was used in Palestine
Greek cities did not use the Roman Calendar as late as 200 A.D.
WHAT ABOUT HEROD?
WOULD HE HAVE BEEN OBSERVING A PAGAN CELEBRATION
IN JERUSALEM ?
Herod the Great was the son of Antipater, an Edomite, and his mother was Nabataean.
Although Herod was of Arab origin, on both sides, history records that he was a practicing Jew.
He is known for the temple known as Herod’s Temple, the temple in Jerusalem at the time of Christ.
Herod divorced his first wife and married Mariame, a Hasmonean princess.
MIRIAME
SECOND WIFE OF HEROD THE GREAT
was a Hasmonean Princess from a priestly family of Jewish leaders known as
“The Hasmoneans”
Hasmoneans derived their name from “Hasidim” – “faithful” and were the forerunners of the Pharisees.
GAIUS CALIGULA the grandson of Caesar Augustus wanted to place a statue of himself in the character of Jupiter in the temple in Jerusalem. Agrippa, who had become a friend of Caligula, passed out when he heard what Caligula wanted to do. He had to be carried to his palace, where it was thought that he would die. Gaius Caligula when hearing of Agrippa’s reaction made the following statement: “If Agrippa, who is my most intimate and dearest friend, and one bound to me by so many benefits, is so completely under the influence of his national customs that he cannot bear even to hear a word against them, but faints away to such a degree as to be near dying, what must one expect will be the feelings of others…”
After recovering, Agrippa made an appeal for Caligula not to defile the temple:
In all men, O emperor! a love of their country is innate, and an eger for their national customs and laws… And I am, as you know, a Jew; and Jerusalem is my country, in which is erected the holy temple of the most high God. And I have kings for my grandfathers and for my ancestors, the greater part of whom have been called high priests… Accordingly I, being one of this nation, and being attached to this country and to such a temple, address to you this petition… ……Philo, On the Embassy to Gaius, (263-279…)
Additional Info: ……Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, 18,8
Would Agrippa, “A PRACTICING JEW” zealous to prevent idolatry from being associated with the true worship of “the most high God,” have had any interest in observing a pagan celebration, before bringing Peter before the people of Jerusalem?
The inclusion of the name of the pagan sun goddess Easter in the King James Version of the Bible has caused millions of unsuspecting believers to disregard the Biblical feast of Passover, and, instead follow the inventions of men. There is no justification for the use of the word Easter in the Bible COMMON SENSE MUST NOT BE ABANDONED IN DEFENSE OF THE KING JAMES
TRANSLATION
The King James version of the Bible is an excellent translation. It is based on thousands of manuscripts that agree with each other, rather than on the corrupt manuscripts, which are the basis of most of the modern versions of the Bible.
In my opinion, it is the best, widely available, English version of the scriptures. It is the English translation that I use and that I recommend to others. However, it is not perfect.
Few people know that the translators of the King James version of the Bible were working under constraints. The translators had to agree to certain rules. One of which was that the names used in earlier English versions of the Bible were not to be changed. The translation or transliteration of many proper names used in the King James version are easily proven to be far from the actual names of Biblical characters.In addition, King James translators were required not to change many disputed words. One example is the fact that the word “church,” based on the Old English word “cirice” (the house of a god) could not be changed to the word “congregation” (an assembly of believers). Because of that, many people today, when the scriptures are speaking of “the body of Christ” think that it is referring to a place that one goes.
There are many well meaning people, knowing of the corruption in the modern versions of the Bible, who insist that the King James version of the Bible is perfect. Not having had the opportunity to examine the all of the details regarding the translation, they add fuel to the fire of those attempting to discredit the King James version of the Bible. Through the selection of isolated instances, easily proven to have minor imperfections, those who would like to set aside the King James attempt to make King James advocates, who say that it is perfect, look foolish. In many instances they have successfully done so; persuading many that adherence to the time tested King James version is totally unfounded.
This is tragic.The King James version must be defended only to the extent that it can be defended, not allowing others to make it’s advocates look foolish; for it is the best widely available English version of the scriptures that we have.
